February 28 marks HIV is Not a Crime Awareness Day, initiated in 2022 by the Sero Project and the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. It aims to highlight the unjust criminalization of individuals based on their HIV status and serves as an important reminder of the enduring stigma and discrimination faced by individuals living with HIV. Despite HIV not being a crime, over 30 U.S. states have laws that result in the imprisonment of people solely due to their HIV-positive status. These laws utilize a person's HIV status in criminal proceedings, often leading to heightened charges or punishments.
According to the CDC, during the early days of the HIV epidemic, some states made specific laws to prevent spreading the virus. These laws were made when little was known about HIV, including its transmission and the most effective methods of treatment. Now, after more than 30 years of research and advances in treating and preventing HIV, many of these laws are outdated and do not match what is known about HIV.
HIV is Not a Crime Awareness Day serves as an important reminder of the ongoing injustices faced by individuals living with HIV. As many have fallen victim to these injustices it is important to listen and learn from their stories.
Stigma surrounding HIV not only creates fear and discrimination but also prevents access to essential healthcare services and support for those living with HIV. It’s crucial to recognize that HIV is not a crime; it’s a health condition that deserves understanding, support, and access to comprehensive care.
At the Southwest Center, we believe in providing comprehensive care that includes not only treatment but also prevention by offering both pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). PEP is a medication regimen to prevent HIV after a possible exposure. While PrEP is a once-daily pill that reduces your chances of contracting HIV.
Our clinic is dedicated to providing stigma-free, compassionate care and promoting accessible options for HIV prevention and treatment. On HIV is Not a Crime Awareness Day and every day, we stand committed to combating HIV stigma and promoting accessible and stigma-free healthcare.